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Study Links Lower IQs to Listening Challenges in Noise

9/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Bonnie Lau led a PLOS One study showing lower IQs link to greater difficulty separating a voice from competing noise.
The study involved 49 volunteers, including individuals with autism and fetal alcohol syndrome, plus neurotypical controls who performed a listening task.
Lau notes listening difficulties can occur without hearing loss; researchers call for environmental adjustments and more studies.

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Story summary

Bonnie Lau led a PLOS One study showing lower IQs link to greater difficulty separating a voice from competing noise.
The study involved 49 volunteers, including individuals with autism and fetal alcohol syndrome, plus neurotypical controls who performed a listening task.
Lau notes listening difficulties can occur without hearing loss; researchers call for environmental adjustments and more studies.